KaKAMPi Microinsurance Program, a collaboration between MAPFRE Insular, German Development Cooperation, Sikap Buhay of the Quezon City local government, and Insular Life. The initiative is an integrated approach to address livelihood development and risk protection needs of the low- income sector . MAPFRE aims to encourage the low-income sector to engage in micro-insurance by opening community offices that are more accessible to the masses.

The ( KaKAMPi) Kabuhayan at Kinaukasan Alay ng Mapfresa Pinoy ) Microinsurance program is a collaboration of various stakeholders – The Quezon City local government through it Sikap Buhay Entrepreneur and Cooperative Office , the German Development Cooperation ( GIZ) and the Insular Life Assurance Company Ltd.Inc.

Sikap Buhay it is an organization under the office of Mayor Herbert M. Bautista whose mission is to strengthen and ensure the sustainable growth of Micro and Small Enterprises and Cooperatives within Quezon City .

The German Development Cooperation ( GIZ) , it is a federally owned enterprise that supports the German government in the field of international development cooperation. For more than 30 years , GIZ had been cooperating with Philippine partners in strengthening the capacity of the people and institutions to improve the lives of Filipinos.

These community offices are a part of MAPFRE Insular’s support of the government’s inclusive development initiatives to provide financial literacy for the low-income sector.

Insular Life -it is one of the partners and the first and largest Filipino life insurer and a leading provider of financial protection and wealth management products and services . It holds the distinction as the only insurer that did not suspend its operations even at the height of the Second World War.

MAPFRE Insular – is a leading non-life company insurance in the Philippines and is part of the MAPFRE Group of Companies , The Number ONE insurer in Spain and leading microinsurance provider in Latin America .

The KaKAMPi Micro-insurance program is an integrated approach aimed at addressing the low income sector’s perennial problems of livelihood stability and risk protection.

One of the highlight of the opening is that MAPFRE Insular company is offering Kakampi Funeral Microinsurance policy for the low and middle income families. For as low as Php 80.00 a month one can avail of burial benefits and assistance whenever inevitable happens.

For more information about the projects and micro-insurance , please visit the links below.

With the theme Piling-Piling Pagkaing Pilipino, more than 150 exhibitors from all over the country will be bringing their regional delicacies and culinary specialties. Product categories to be showcased in the four-day event include meat, fish and marine products; processed fruits and vegetables; ingredients, sauces and condiments; wines and beverages; coffee, tea and cocoa; bakery products, snacks and confectioneries; organic, herbal and natural products; and food supplements and vitamins.

10. Recipe sharing by Re-known Chef-There are several cooking demonstration, lecture and inspirational talks among industry practitioners, chefs , marketing experts during the duration of the fair. It aims to share their knowledge, marketing skills, entrepreneurial management to share their inspiration among the visiting public.

Chef Boy Logro

9. Local and Fruit Wines- There are different kinds of local wines ( lambanog / basi ) to choose from. Now they even process local fruits like Marang, Lipote , Mango and mixed fruits. Some of the packaging are at par with the international standards and sometimes mistaken for imported wines .

Dielles

8. Pork Crackling and Chicharon- I saw different types of chicharon / pork crackling being sold at the fair. They are from Bulacan, Pampanga, Davao and even within Metro Manila. There is also made from chicharon from carabao , mussels ( tahong ) and even fish skin being sold at the fair.

The demand for affordable housing units is on the rise , developers maximized the use of space and condominium developments to the smallest possible liveable space . It isn’t uncommon to be as small as 18 -square meters , making it a cramped one for a starting couple, bachelor pad or a dormitory space.

architects, interior designers were invited to the event

ErgoHome has come up with original lifestyle solutions to customized any space according to your needs with this in mind .

ERGO Design Laboratory

What makes Ergo Home different is that the company can customized every available space fit for every lifestyle.

“ErgoHome was officially launched with the introduction of the Ergo Space home furniture line.Ergo Space will expand your small living room into a dining room and / or a bedroom seamlessly in seconds , all within the same area. A seamless conversion and happy living maximizing your home investment through transformable space -saving modern furniture “. Ergo Home president and CEO Mr. Philip KC Ng .

For the past 27 years, Ergo Contracts Philippines, Inc. has been providing “high performance architectural and interior solutions” in the Philippines and in the South East Asian region. More popularly known as ERGO, it continues to Innovate and Inspire.

tatami room

Tatami Room is a 12-square meter condominium unit can easily transformed into a variety of living spaces with just a couple of handy furnishing units. To provide needed storage space in unit , the floor is raised y about a feet from the floor. The steps leading into room hide drawers where things can be headed . More space is available under the floorboards. A vacuum pull is used to open the wooden panel to expose additional storage.

living room can be transformed into a sleeping room

This living room set-up can be transformed into a space bedroom with the use of a couple of functional furnishings. A sofa of durable stacking foam can be transformed into a casual sleeping space by just pre-arranging the foam stacks. It raises the idea of lounging around in one’s living room to a different level.

Exodus Acrobat

There was a magic show performed by Mr. JB Dela Cruz, an acrobatic show performed by 2 contortionist Stephanie and Princess ( Exodus Acrobat ) which delighted the crowd. It was directed by Mr. Macoy Villaroman.

Mr. JB Dela Cruz together with Ms. Tessa Prieto- Valdes

Ergo Team and invited guests

Ergo has its root as a seating company in Singapore, through a joint venture, using German seating technology that made smooth, quiet, comfortable, ergonomic chairs and has since evolved to manufacturing and marketing other office related furniture such as system furniture, desking systems, metal cabinets, compactors, kitchen systems and space saving furniture for the home.

group photo

I had a great time viewing those innovative home style furnishing and met a lot of wonderful people. Try to visit ERGO Home at their respective outlets .

Chong Hock Tong Temple was built in 1878, it was one of the very few remaining pre-war structures in Manila. Gobernadorcillio Carlos Palanca Tanchueco ( Chinese name: Tan Quien Sien) and Mr. Lim Ong who has been credited for supervising the construction , financing the cost of construction . The temple is closely affiliated with the Tsinoy community, it was never declared a historic landmark by the government. There are also century-old acacias and mango trees within the grounds with neatly manicured lawn.

temple main altar ( before the demolition )

The architecture has been described as “reminiscent of those in Fujian province as well as those in Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia with their colorful friezes and uniquely upturned eaves.” There is also a small inner courtyard where sunlight can penetrate.

side altar ( with statue of Don Carlos Palanca) right side

The temple is very simple but the details are very vivid and colorful, it is also guarded by two fu- dogs and old bells are found at the side of the temple

fu dogs guarding the entrance

There was a persistent rumors late last year that the old temple will eventually be demolished to pave way for a bigger and stronger structure.

temple ground

I manage to got a first hand information a few days ago when a distant relative told me that the old temple was demolished when they went to the cemetery to pay homage to their parents.

cement rubble

Leaving no time to waste, I felt the urge to visit the Chinese cemetery to confirm if the story was true. Lo and behold, the old temple was indeed demolished.

Manage to personally interviewed at least 10 people from caretakers, gardeners, mausoleum owners , security guards and joggers who frequent the place on what happened to the old temple. Each had different accounts and stories to tell.

” The demolition of the temple started mid- February 2015 and ended sometime last week around March 13 or 14, 2015 . We were sadden by the recent development, We always try to visit the old temple and pay some homage to our fore bearers . We visit the grave site almost on a weekly basis” according to Mrs. Marilyn who requested to withheld her surname.

old logs from the temple

” Itwas demolished to pave way for a bigger temple twice the size of the current one, Artisan and craftsmen will come from Taiwan . The structure will be stronger and better compared to the old ones which had termite infestation and can accommodate more people. ” a caretaker from nearby mausoleum.

” The demolition is quite slow last February but took a quick phase as some of the wood are weak and were easily dismantled towards mid-March” . – caretaker

” It will be renovated and larger temple will be built , They were able to keep some old logs , altar , Buddha statues , bells and the statue of the one who built the temple ” ( Referring to Don Carlos Palanca. ) -caretaker

” We will surely missed the old temple , It was built during the Spanish regime . It was a time when Chinese and the non -Christians were segregated and have their own cemetery and the temple reflects some touch of Filipino artisans , some of the laborers who built the shrine are trained by the local Chinese and their mastery and craftsmanship is superb. The temple managed to stand for more than 130 -plus years is already a legacy on its own. I have no idea if they are restoring them or enlarging the temple. It seems to be re-building a new one” . – According to a mausoleum owner.

” There was no proper consultation or even a public hearing conducted by the association , with regard to the demolition of the temple ” . They should have properly consulted those families which have plots here . I think they just decided on their own“. – Ms. Betty Lao

Based on what i have heard, there was no plan to restore the temple , but it was more of making the temple larger and grander with artisan from Taiwan and some say Mainland China -Fujian province .

The cemetery officials and the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association which managed the place cannot be reached for possible plans on the temple.

Note: The names of the persons interviewed during the process were withheld for security , safety reasons ( except for those who willingly express that their sentiments to be published online) .

“We are saddened to hear about the demolition of Manila’s oldest surviving Chinese temple at the Manila Chinese Cemetery and shocked at the level of ignorance regarding heritage conservation in the country,” says Heritage Conservation Society president Ivan Henares.

Ms. Carmen Torres Reyes is the great grand aunt of Ms. Margaux Salcedo ( former GMA channel 7 reporter ) and Congressman Alfred Vargas who are relatives. The house was built during the late Spanish era but was renovated in the 1960’s .

Famous Chocolate and Culinary Icons :

Nana Meng’s mother served food to President Manuel Quezon and other prominent members of the community . Nana Julita ( sister of Nana Meng) would also be best remembered for her beef asado and ensaymada. Nana Meng herself also had occasion to prepare a meal for President Joseph Estrada . While another aunt, Ka Tage have wrote down some. We were told that Nana Meng ‘s family is also a culinary icon of the place. People would remember her preparing foods especially during town fiesta .

Unfortunately, most of the family recipes like kesong puti, chicharon, sinigang sa bayabas, lumpiang sariwa and dinuguan, among other Bulacan recipes have never been written down. Instead they have been passed on from generation to generation but only to those who labor in the kitchen. It was Nana Meng and Ka Tage who managed to pass some of the recipe to their descendants .

Fortunately , We were fortunate to sample some of the family famous tsokolate , tinumis ( dinuguan ) . The chocolate were named after the aunts NanaMeng and Ka Tage .

The house is located just a few meters from Banda 88 and Buenaventura Ancestral House .

It is such an opportunity to be allowed a tour within Casa Parochial – Bishop residence .

sala set

main altar

interiors of the church

niches

There are portion of the church where burial place for the prominent families of Santa Maria were buried.

work of arts by local artist

Francisco Santiago historical marker ( 1889 to 1947)

Francisco Santiago historical marker was installed in 1964 . He is a well known composer , music scholar and father of nationalistic music of the country He is also the first Filipino to finished masters and doctorate degrees in music . He is also the first Filipino who became the director of Conservatory of Music in the University of the Philippines .

Mr. Emil Delos Santos and Ms. Erika Varona

Ms. Erika Varona is one of the first batch kundiman singer ( children which were trained as kundiman singers by local artists ) She is also a student of the school which hosted the walking tour.

original marker

The original marker used to be located a few meters within the property and there is a bust of Mr. Francisco Santiago , However the current owner of the house relocated the marker near the street because they believe it was bad feng shui for the place. Locals do not know why the marker was painted gold instead of the usual black ( background color) and white ( for text) .

Serapio House

We walked along Dr. Teofilo Santiago Street and saw some of the old houses which dates back from the late 1930’s to the mid- 1950’s .

private house located in 2246 Dr. Teofilo Santiago street

bahay na dilaw

Banda 88

The town of Santa Maria boast of one of the oldest and still existing bands in the country established in 1888. The original band members were chosen from the best and chosen few who excelled in music .

There was no name and it was simply called Banda Santa Maria . In 1931 people started to name it Banda 88 in reference to the year it was founded. The younger group was referred to as Banda 31 in reference to May 31, 1931 , the year it was founded . The place is located along Ricardo Nicolas Street.

Banda 88

There are a lot of talents in Santa Maria and pople would use them as a stepping stone for greater opportunity.

puto lansong

Tinumis Santa Maria

Tinumis Santa Maria is the local version of dinuguan ( pork blood stew) Their version is made from carabao’s blood and meat . The meat is cooked slowly over a fire and the oil dripping from the carabao’s fats are added to the stew . Mustard , mustard greens or mustasa is also added to the dish giving it a different taste.

Tsokolate ni Nana Meng at Tage

Tsokolate ni Nan Meng at Tage is another local version of chocolate ( a bit water down ) aguado .

The chocolate is best quality cacao and peanuts are used. These are slowly roasted to golden-brown perfection, and then ground together to form a thick, rich paste. The finished product is stored in glass jars and has a shelf life of up to eight months. This is the family recipe of Reyes-Torres family .

Buenaventura House

This is located along Ricardo Nicolas / Tanaga street just beside Banda 88 . This is a fine example of an early 1900 style of house combination of late Spanish and Early American era style of architecture.

It was built by Mr. Jacinto Buenaventura and Honorata Serapio .The house was a silent witness to the history of the town.

Santong Gapos

It is an important center of the activities especially during the lenten season. The yearly pasyon babasa ” reading ” held every year – The old life- size wooden image of Christ is is about 100 years-old is referred to as ” Patanaw” or more popularly called ” Santong Gapos” .

maja blanca and puto

The group was treated to a light morning snacks which consists of maja blanca with cheese toppings, puto , polvoron – According to Ms. Daisy Buenaventura , the maja and puto is home made by one of their relatives from Patag – Ms. Lea

Contact: 0905-2690167

At the ground floor is a pharmaceutical store , clinic and a small convenient store.

Dendrobium aphyllum

This native orchid species is planted in an old mango tree . The orchid is at least 10 years old and left unattended by the owners of the house.

This tour was conceptualized by Mr. Jose Benigno Salvador for the Immaculate Concepcion International College of Arts and Technology. The tour was opened to the public last February 18, 2015 and in cooperation with the municipal government of Santa Maria, Artists Guild of Santa Maria, NCCA, NHCP and various NGO and even bloggers. On March 19, 2015 – More than 50 people attended the event.

Atty. Normita L. Villanueva

We were warmly received by the town’s mayor , some of the councilor , municipal tourism officers and the Immaculate Conception I- College of Arts and Technology ( President Atty. Normita L. Villanueva)

tourism and hrm students

There were about 30 students , faculties and staffs from the school who participated in the walking tour.

We were treated to a breakfast hosted by the town which consists of kesong puti ( white cheese ) pan de sal , scrambled egg and instant coffee mix. Then were were serenaded by kundiman music.

Mayor Ricardo D. Nicolas, Jr. bust ( term of office : 1972 to 1978)

During his incumbency ,The construction of the first floor of the New Municipal Building was finished . He also launched several projects of the government like construction of artesian wells, implementation of population and nutrition programs, as well as other development projects in the municipality, be it infrastructure or social services. The bust was erected in his honor by his wife Mayor Reylina Nicolas (incumbency 1992 to 2001) first female Mayor of the town.

World War II Veterans Memorial

The first monument was erected in the late 1950’s in the municipal cementery . The present monument was erected in 1993 and was initiated by the veterans of the second world war .

Dr. Jose P. Rizal

The monument was erected in 1916 almost the same time with ” Inang Laya” . It was thru the initiative by the veterans of the Filipino Spanish -American war. What we notice is that all the monument that are found in the main plaza were colorfully painted in contrast with other monument and markers in other parts of the country.

The large plaza fronting the present municipal building is also known as Ricardo D. Nicolas municipal park . Beside the plaza is the Santa Maria public market and a transport terminal . There is also a night market and nearby towns would come to buy goods.

La Purisima Concepcion House

The house was built after the second world war by Mr. Teofilo Ramirez and Mrs. Balvina Valeriano – The house became center of the church activities during town fiesta during the month of Febuary .

grill works

The walls of the property had pedestal with statue of little children , Mary , Jesus and angels . The house is a rare example on how deeply religious the former owners of the house .

statutes

The traditional changing of clothes of the La Purisima Concepcion which started in the mid 1930’s . It was the family’s house that the image would be brought and the traditional changing of clothes ( fiesta) is being done. The tradition is even older than the house.

The house is currently being taken cared by Adoracion, Lourdes and Engineer Rolando Perez, descendants of the the original owners.

Municipal Trial Court

This used to be built in the 1920’s and the center of politics and main town square until the present municipal building was constructed in the 1970’s .

Inang Laya

Inang Laya ( Mother Liberty ) is a symbol of nationhood. There are only 4 statutes of which are found in the town of Santa Maria , Baliuag , Calumpit and San Miguel.

Jose Corazon de Jesus marker National Historical Committee of the Philippines installed the marker in 1964 .

José Corazón de Jesús (November 22, 1896 – May 26, 1932), also known by his pen name Huseng Batute, was a poet, writer and King of Balagtasan . He used Tagalog poetry to express the Filipinos’ desire for independence during the American occupation of the country a period that lasted from 1901 to 1946. He is best known for being the lyricist of the Filipino song Bayan Ko and Ang Pamana

Jose Corazon De Jesus house

He published some 4,000 poems in his Buhay Maynila column. He also wrote about 800 columns under the title Ang Lagot na Bagting (The Broken String). Although his favored pen name was Huseng Batute, he also wrote about 300 short poems and prose works under several pseudonyms, such as Pusong Hapis, Paruparu, Pepito Matimtiman, Mahirap, Dahong Kusa, Paruparong Luksa, Amado Viterbi, Elias, Anastacio Salagubang and Water Lily.

History and Demographics: It is the one of the most populous municipality in Central Luzon and 6th most populous in the Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 218,351 inhabitants in 48,946.

Chicharon :

Chicaron Center- Dolores Chicharon since 1978

There are several rows of houses and stalls which sells chicharon . The industry started from humble beginning in 1900 mostly from backyard piggeries and swine growers. The stalls are located near the church or barangay poblacion.

Nonie’s Best Pork Chicharon and Jennie’s Pork Chicharon

Nina Pork Chicharon

Contact (044) 641-2254

There were free sampling of the chicharon and some of us cannot resist buying . The price is relatively cheap . Chicharon is priced between Php 10 small packs to Php 150 depending on the packaging and pork . There is also chili flavored chicharon.

Aldana House

A walked around the old poblacion area and we saw a beautiful house where Miss Michelle Aldana – Miss Asia Pacific 1993 title holder used to stay during her childhood and with neatly manicured lawn and a boarding house for students (ladies) . People around the area would refer to this boarding house as Aldana House in reference to the surname of the owner.

We passed Immaculate Concepcion International College of Arts and Technology and have a photo opportunity with the presidents, professors and staffs of the school.

La Purisima Concepcion Church and Convent

The town of Santa Maria used to be part of the town of Meycauayan which was established by the Franciscan order in 1578. The old town includes Obando, Marilao , Bocaue, Polo ( now Valenzuela ) Bigaa , San Jose del Monte and parts of Novaliches ( present day part of Caloocan and Quezon City ) its existence can be traced as early as the year 1647 when it is still a barrio (village) of Bocaue . The town was believed to be established on the same period when the Dominican order which covers Hacienda Lolomboy.

historical marker

La Purisima Concepcion church or Pandi Church was first built in 1792, A big earthquake in 1880 destroyed the old church and restored , unfortunately it was again destroyed by a fire in 1899 during the encounter of Filipino and American forces. It was again later restored. In 1792 it was formally established as a separate parish and was named Santa Maria de Pandi headed by the Franciscan order. Etymology The official name of the town is Santa Maria which is according to the town’s historical account and National Historical Commission of the Philippines . Nested near the Sierra Madre range , the town long history and separation . Santa Maria got its name from its ever guiding patron saint, La Purisima Concepcion, known as Virgin Mary . Townsfolk had a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and its church sits on a prominent spot.